Ambitious plans for a major development have received a £60million boost.

A developer has claimed work could begin later this year after concerns had been raised about whether the development would go ahead at all.

Inner London Group, the company behind the ambitious Marine Plaza development on Southend seafront, has announced that they have appointed a construction partner which will allow the project to progress.

Larry Fenttiman, a director of the group, said: “We are pleased to announce that we have been successful in appointing a construction partner that will enable the development of Marine Plaza.

“This will bring forward the wonderful homes and facilities that will regenerate this part of the seafront in keeping with the efforts already made by the local authority.

“In these uncertain times, it has not been easy to secure the right partner in what will ultimately be a further investment well in excess of £60 million.

“But by remaining diligent and focusing on the wonderful opportunity that Marine Plaza provides we have remained confident that we could bring this landmark development to fruition.”

Mr Fenttiman is hopeful that construction will begin in the latter quarter of this year after the busy summer period.

He added: “One of the things that we decided we would do, as far as the seafront is concerned, is we don’t want to obstruct it when the traders are making most of their money so we would hopefully start construction in the last quarter - at the end of the summer.

“We’re already getting pre-construction ready so that we will be geared up and ready to go and will be breaking ground before Christmas.”

The key site gained planning permission in 2015 for 282 flats along with shops and restaurants. The firm was expected to complete the project, opposite the Kursaal by this year.

However it is still being used as a temporary car park.

If it finally gets off the ground, Marine Plaza will have a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

The scheme comprises 282 homes across six buildings, which range in height from four to 14 storeys.

There will also be a central courtyard.

The site has been deliberately set back from the seafront to ensure that it does not obscure views of the iconic Kursaal.

Mr Fenttiman insists that, despite concerns the project had stalled, the team has been working continuously since buying the site seven years ago.

He added: “Things have been going on behind the scenes. We didn’t just get planning permission and leave it there.

“We have been working on this every single day for seven years and this site is on our minds all the time.

“We have been negotiating the terms which involves several different parties and working hard to locate the right construction partner to get this off the ground.

“It is a major development and we needed to be sure the partner would be capable of taking on a project of this scale.”

Part of the agreement involves what money and facilities developers will provide to the community as part of the planning permission.

The group are hopeful the project will be finished within five years.

Mr Fenttiman added: “It is a full-time project and will be right up until it is completed.

“This is a huge step forward and shows a great commitment to Southend.

“The scheme will be wholly beneficial for the whole area.

“It is in a prime location on seafront and it will pull a large amount of people into Southend - not just the seafront but the town centre as a whole.

“Everyone will benefit because people will want to come into Southend and boost the economy and traders as well.

“You never know what problems could crop up but if everything goes smoothly, it could be less than five years.”

Mr Fenttiman said when the scheme is finally completed an estimated £100 million will have been invested to bring the project to life.

He added: “We would like to thank Southend Council and in particular the councillors and officers who have supported the scheme.”